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APPOINTMENT OF A
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
September 2016
Diocesan Board of Education, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1HE
www.stalbans.anglican.org/schools; [email protected]; 01727 818170
From the Chair of the Diocese of St Albans Educational Trust
Dear applicant
Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Operating Officer for the newly formed Diocese
of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust. This is a vitally important role and one which will have
significant influence in establishing the work of the Trust and its ability to support its member
schools.
Working closely with the Diocesan Director of Education in his role as Chief Executive Officer,
the successful candidate will establish all the relevant financial and legislative frameworks,
policies and working practices necessary for the Trust to flourish and grow as a successful
Multi Academy Trust.
This is an exciting post, one capable of providing the successful candidate with the opportunity
to shape and form the non-educational work of the Trust for the next five years. Therefore you
should have the qualifications, skill and experience to fulfil what is the senior non educational
role in the Trust’s management structure.
Should you require any further questions or information please contact David Morton,
Diocesan Director of Education, on 01727 818170.
Yours sincerely
The Revd Janet Mackenzie
Chair, Diocese of St Albans Educational Trust
3
The Diocese of St Albans
The Diocese of St Albans comprises the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and part
of the London Borough of Barnet. The population is approximately 1.8 million, and the total
electoral roll approximately 39,000 people. The Bishop of St Albans has overall
responsibility for the Diocese. He is assisted by the suffragan bishops of Bedford and
Hertford, the Archdeacons of Bedford, St Albans and Hertford, the Diocesan Secretary and
the Dean. There are twenty deaneries and the Diocese has 336 parishes, of which about
one third are rural.
The Board of Education works with a network of 136 Anglican church schools in the Diocese
of St Albans, covering six Local Authorities: the London Borough of Barnet, Bedford
Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Luton. Seventeen
schools are Academies and the diocese’s first Free School will open in September 2016.
Most of the schools are primary phase, but there are five secondary schools and six middle
schools which are deemed secondary.
Building on the excellent contribution of 136 Church Schools (with more in the pipeline), of
which 91.2% are either Outstanding or Good, the priorities of the Diocesan Board of
Education are:
Outstanding education delivered in a distinctively Christian setting
Community-focused schools serving the common good
High quality Religious Education
Rigorous safeguarding that ensures church school pupils are celebrated as children of
God
Church schools at the centre of the diocesan vision Living God’s Love
The creation of new church schools within new housing developments
Strong and fruitful school/parish relationships
These priorities are delivered in ways that recognise the unique local context of each of our
schools.
4
The Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust
The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust is being established to provide for three
different types of Church of England school within the Diocese of St Albans:
schools requiring rapid improvement having been placed in Special Measures and
subject to a directive Academy Order
good or outstanding church schools where no natural cluster of local Church of
England provision exists
new schools within new housing provision where the Diocese of St Albans is the
identified sponsor
The Trust will consider applications from other schools supportive of the Trust’s ethos on a
case-by-case basis. This will include non-church schools wishing to join with protected non
church school status.
Following the principles used to establish Church of England schools in the 1800s, the
Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust will remain committed to, where possible,
providing a locally-based, high quality education that enables schools to meet the needs of
their local community, whilst benefitting from a regional network of support. Academies that
are part of the Trust will retain their name, school uniform and local customs, and the local
governing body will, through a delegated scheme of earned autonomy, retain local control of
schools where appropriate.
As a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust, our commitment to a locally-based education
will be delivered through an approach consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of
England. All academies in the Trust will be expected to deliver the curriculum within a
programme of Christian values and virtues in an overarching ethos that sees each individual
child as being of worth and having the capacity to grow into a fully rounded person.
Community is another important concept and individual academies within the Trust will have
access to events and training available to all schools and academies within the St Albans
diocesan schools network that will ultimately include local, school-led, Church of England
Multi-Academy trusts, stand-alone academies, federations and CE maintained schools.
5
Academies within the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust will remain part of the
St°Albans diocesan network of schools. Currently this consists of 136 schools comprising
maintained schools, stand-alone academies, CE federations and a free school, representing
all phases. 91.2% of all provision and 94.5% of primary schools within the network are
currently graded Good or Outstanding. Performance is high and all schools within the
network have easy access to examples of outstanding provision and peer-to-peer support.
This includes NLEs and LLEs where required.
Schools joining the Trust will benefit from education delivered within a Christian ethos
committed to enabling schools to meet the needs of their local community, and will have
access to:
specialist school improvement support - School Improvement Partners and Advisers
20 educational consultants based in four regional clusters
school leadership support and development
emergent leadership development programmes
established partnerships with leading school improvement providers such as Herts for
Learning
a training and development programme delivered by the Diocesan Board of Education
personalised training delivered through the Diocesan Board of Education’s Service
Level Agreement
national training networks such as the National Society’s Foundation for Educational
Leadership
in-house business management and financial management services
a developing range of centralised policies
6
Current Development Plans
The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust is a newly established Trust, having received
approval from the Regional Schools Commissioner on 20 July 2016, progressing through the
approval process in under six months.
It is planned that the Trust will admit up to five schools during 2017, with entry being phased
on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September 2017. Current pre-conversion work is being
supervised by the Diocesan Director of Education (in his role as CEO-designate) and both
part-time Deputy Directors of Education (in their roles as school effectiveness lead officers),
with the support of a team of consultants. HR and legal services have been commissioned
on an interim basis whilst financial and business related services are being provided by the
Oxford Diocesan Schools Team.
It is now essential that the Trust establishes a senior management team to assume
responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Trust.
7
Chief Operating Officer
The post of Chief Operating Officer is the senior non-educational post in the Diocese of
St Albans Multi Academy Trust. It is a central and essential role responsible for day-to-day
leadership of all the Trust’s business, financial and administrative functions. This will in the
first instance include the establishment, maintenance and development of key processes,
procedures and policies. The role will be undertaken in partnership with the Academies
Director who will hold responsibility for all the Trust’s educational functions. Both posts will
report to and be line managed by the Trust’s CEO.
It is essential that anyone appointed has a thorough understanding of business and financial
policy and practice as it applies to Multi-Academy Trusts. Any successful candidate must
have the capacity to work independently, reporting regularly to a board of Directors, and
have the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences, including
prospective schools and their governing bodies.
As the Board of Education expects there to be a close working relationship between the
Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust and the Board of Education, it is also important
that any successful candidate has good interpersonal skills, the ability to form strong working
relationships, and they wholeheartedly support not only the Christian ethos of the Diocese of
St Albans Multi-Academy Trust but also the wider priorities of the Board of Education as it
seeks to support the 136 schools within the Diocese of St Albans network of schools. These
priorities are reflected in the Board’s vision statement which affirms that Church Schools live
God’s Love by being Distinctively Christian, Community-Focussed and by Serving the
Common Good. A Chief Operating Officer must be able to commit wholeheartedly to
working to establish distinctively Christian, community-focussed academies that serve the
common good.
Should you require any further information or clarification, please contact Eileen Bigg, the
Diocesan Director’s PA on 01727 818170 or [email protected], who will arrange
for you to speak to David Morton, Diocesan Director of Education and CEO designate.
8
Chief Operating Officer: Job Description
This is the most senior non-academic role in the organisation and, as such, the post holder
will work with the CEO on shaping and delivering the organisation’s objectives, driving a
culture of continuous improvement in all support areas and leading a successful and growing
organisation. The post holder will proactively promote and demonstrate the Diocese of
St Albans Multi-Academy Trust’s (DSAMAT) vision and Christian values respecting cultural
diversity within contemporary Britain.
Responsible to
The Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust
Key Connections
Internal: Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan
Multi-Academy Trust, Academies Director, Diocesan Director of Education,
Deputy Directors of Education, Diocesan Board of Education, Diocesan Board of
Finance (Bishop’s Council), members of diocesan staff
External: Department for Education (DfE), Education Funding Agency (EFA), relevant
Local Authorities, service providers for the DMAT, other dioceses
The purpose of the role is:
to deliver on the vision of the Diocese of St Albans Mult- Academy Trust to
provide high quality and dynamic education for all at the heart of our communities
by providing strategic leadership and professional management of all support
roles and services. These will include Finance, ICT, Human Resources, Estates,
Procurement and Contracting, Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Administration
teams and contracted providers as well as working with Academy Business /
Finance Managers.
Be a highly visible and credible leader within the Director’s Senior Leadership
Team (DLT) and work to support the Trust Board, CEO and committee structure
as the Trust continues to expand and grow, whilst designing and implementing
the strategic vision with DLT colleagues.
Responsibilities:
(a) Strategic Leadership Role
Provide advice and guidance to the CEO/Trust Board on all aspects of
DSAMAT’s non-academic operations
Deputise for the CEO in all aspects of work that do not require an educational
background
Shape, implement and deliver the strategic plan as part of the DLT
Line manage all DSAMAT Financial and Business Services’ managers and
ensure effective communication and collaboration which enhances the value that
the Trust brings to its academies
Build and develop a culture of high performance, ensuring succession planning is
in place at all levels
9
Ensure support structures within DSAMAT reflect the best practice from business
and from the emerging research into successful academy trusts
Provide clear information, advice and recommendations to the DLT, academy
SLTs, Board and various committees regarding the strategic development of
support services in the use of assets and the development of DSAMAT’s
activities to ensure the best possible learning environment for students.
Lead the DSAMAT Finance function such that:-
(i) Resources are directed to provide the most positive educational outcomes
for students
(ii) The Board, DLT and academies are provided with accurate, timely and
actionable financial and management information
(iii) Financial systems are managed effectively to expedite the DSAMAT budget
cycle and to support decision making across the organisation
Work with the DLT to prepare the annual and medium-term business plans,
taking into account performance improvement objectives, funding projections,
and other potential events and activities
Take lead responsibility for policy development and implementation in all support
areas
Ensure DSAMAT is represented in national, regional and local networks so that
the Trust influences and is alert to new trends and is familiar with current best
practice in the developing education sector
Establish a high level of credibility, visibility and professionalism and manage
strong working relationships with internal (especially academies and Diocese
staff) and external partners
Promote and safeguard the welfare of students
Work closely with the DLT on developing a strategic plan that develops finance,
HR, premises and other support teams to ensure a proactive approach to
maximising the best use of resources
(b) Finance Role
Provide strategic leadership, direction and management in Finance, ensuring high standards and the development of systems appropriate to the Trust
Develop a strategic plan for robust financial management of the Trust’s activities, resources and assets in line with the Academies Financial Handbook and Company House requirements
Support the Finance Manager and headteachers in the academies’ budget process for submitting their detailed proposed budget to the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee for approval
Use appropriate data to make financial forecasts to facilitate good strategic forward planning
Ensure robust budgetary control arrangements are in place to enable monitoring of income and expenditure against budgets and ensure corrective action is taken where appropriate
Oversee benchmarking to review best value for money and to make suitable recommendations
Ensure the timely submission of all statutory financial statements and returns by the Finance Managers
10
Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts and other financial and non‐financial reports by the Finance Managers for DSAMAT and its academies, presenting reports to the Board and explaining all significant variances to all relevant stakeholders, in accordance with agreed timetables
Provide support, guidance, challenge and information to budget holders
Ensure that the financial and management accounting systems for DSAMAT are
up‐to‐date and support all accounting and reporting needs
Liaise with auditors and implement audit requirements and recommendations throughout the Trust
(c) Human Resources Role
Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider manage the administration of personnel matters for staff, including appointments, contracts of employment, conditions of service, insurances, legal and other advisors, discipline and grievance matters, and making recommendations to the CEO, DLT and Board as appropriate
Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider develop, maintain and implement Human Resource Management policies and procedures
Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider ensure compliance with all relevant employment law
Liaise, consult and negotiate with union and staff representatives as and when the need arises
Develop a core Trust HR Service
(d) ICT, Data Services and Estates Management Role
Work with the DLT to maintain and deliver a rolling ICT strategy which aligns with the educational and development plans
Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate ICT infrastructure and systems to support the objectives and aims of DSAMAT
Develop the asset management plan and site master plans, ensuring that accurate data are maintained and that projects and priorities support the educational plans and requirements
Develop and implement strategies for premises management to ensure that the quality of the estate and the learning environment for students is improved, sustainable and maintained
Develop and deliver long-term maintenance plans and effective reactive maintenance services
Develop and deliver building improvement projects, on‐site surveys, liaising with architects and drawing up proposals as required
Ensure effective tendering and management of contracts for work done by external contractors
Ensure the effective implementation of Health and Safety requirements across the Trust and compliance with Health and Safety law
(e) Procurement, Project and Contract Management Role
Ensure best value in the acquisition of supplies and services through effective procurement and tendering
Provide project management expertise and advice to the DLT
Monitor the operation of policies concerning procurement and ordering
Monitor the operation of contracts entered into for the supply of goods and services
Ensure all contracting and procurement activities are fully compliant with all public sector legislation and regulatory requirements
11
Identify opportunities for new build schools and create an effective template for preparing bids
Ensure DSAMAT uses appropriate funding mechanisms to enable value for money on capital projects
Oversee all significant capital building projects and liaise with headteachers, governors, consultants, contractors and other interested parties as necessary
Develop new services to offer to DSAMAT academies
Investigate, source and maximise income (revenue and capital), liaising with funding agencies and government, amongst others, and write bids
Ensure that any funds received from successful bids are spent appropriately, within budget and timescales
(f) Administrative Services Role
Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate administration systems to support the objectives and aims of DSAMAT
Maintain a disaster recovery strategy for DSAMAT, with detailed operational plans
Maintain systems in order to provide statistical and information returns for outside agencies
Maintain and ensure regular review of DSAMAT’s data protection, personnel, safeguarding, fire safety and health and safety policies, and ensure that all required procedures, including Equalities Act requirements are in place
(g) Other duties and responsibilities
Provide leadership, motivation, support and performance management for all direct reports
Ensure that direct reports are appropriately trained and developed and performance managed
Ensure that high standards of professional behaviour and performance are achieved, using systems of external accreditation and evaluation wherever possible
Contribute to and exemplify the Christian values of the Trust
Contribute actively to the development of quality improvement programmes across the Trust
Undertake such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and commensurate with being a member of the Trust DLT
Safeguarding
The safety and well-being of our children is central to our ethos and we expect all staff and
volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide
references, undertake an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service, and
comply with the Safeguarding Policy and child protection practices of DSAMAT.
Equalities
DSAMAT has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in its academies and
in the employment of people. The post will ensure that DSAMAT meets its statutory
obligations in relation to all aspects of equalities legislation.
12
Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust
Chief Operating Officer: Person Specification
Educational and professional qualifications
Essential
Degree or equivalent
Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
Master’s degree and/or relevant professional qualifications
Experience and knowledge
Essential
Track record of success of senior leadership and strategy development within a
comparable organisation
Track record of successful leadership of support services and/or multi-disciplinary
teams
Awareness and understanding of key issues in relation to finance, ICT, human
resources, estates, procurement and contracting, health and safety, and
safeguarding
Experience of efficient and effective budget, financial, risk and resource
management to achieve accountability and a strong performance culture
Proven success in building effective partnerships and links with internal and
external stakeholders
Experience and knowledge of the safeguarding agenda and its application in the
educational setting
Desirable
Experience of working effectively with a Board/Governing body in an equivalent
setting
Skills and abilities
Essential
Well-developed strategic planning capabilities with the ability to work with others
to develop a compelling vision for the organisation, underpinned by a strong
moral purpose
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and be an effective
ambassador of the Trust
Ability to build a positive organisational culture, encourage reflection, delegate
responsibility, build teams, strive for continuous improvement and inspire staff to
achieve their full potential
13
Ability to think creatively, to work strategically, and to anticipate and solve
problems
Proven track record of developing business plans and managing the introduction
of new initiatives
Ability to prioritise, plan and organise, and analyse and process complex
information quickly and rigorously, when under pressure acting with decisiveness
and determination when dealing with difficult situations
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others to the benefit of the
Trust
Desirable
An understanding of educational legislation and policy in relation to Academies
Attitudes and personal qualities
Essential
Wholehearted commitment to maintaining and developing the ethos of the
Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust
Inspirational ability to motivate and empower others to carry the diocesan vision
forward inside and outside DSAMAT
Resilience and persistence, but adaptability to context and people
Collaborative leadership – someone who can provide clear direction and shared
purpose for all colleagues, external partners and stakeholders
Ability to translate a visionary/innovative concepts into a practical implementation
plans
Commitment to raising standards and optimising the opportunities that
Academies can offer to its students and the community
Ability to challenge constructively the work of self and others to continually
improve own and team performance
Desirable
An understanding and/or first-hand experience of the Church of England, its
ethos, ability and structure to work as part of the mission of the Diocese
Other
Visible presence at the Trust’s Academies
Willingness to work outside normal working hours as required
Full clean driving licence holder with access to the use of a vehicle
14
Terms and Conditions
Term: The appointment (start date to be agreed) will be based upon a probationary period of
six months during which it may be terminated by either party by one week’s notice, and
thereafter by three months’ notice on either side.
Salary: £67,931 - £74,777 (five point incremental scale; progression performance related)
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
Hours: This is a full-time position for a 37.5 hour week. Time off in lieu is given for hours
worked outside normal working hours. No overtime is paid.
Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 22 working days (pro rata) plus statutory Bank
Holidays, the working days falling between Christmas and New Year bank holiday and one
day in November or December for Christmas shopping.
Expenses: Approved expenses are paid in full through the DSAMAT budget at agreed rates.
Office facilities: The person appointed will be required to work in the Diocese of St Albans
Multi-Academy Trust Office in the Dunstable area.
Right to work: The successful applicant will need to provide proof of right to work in the UK
before taking up the post.
Additional Employment: Written agreement is required for any interest, directorship or
employment to be held in addition to this employment.
15
How to apply for this position
To apply for this post, please send a CV, a covering letter explaining how you meet the
requirements, and the names and addresses of two referees to the Diocesan Director of
Education, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1HE, or by e-mail to
Please ensure that when submitting your CV that you include a full chronological history of
full or part-time employment since leaving school.
References may be taken up before interview. Please indicate if anyone may not be
approached at this stage.
Start date: as soon as possible, and preferably by 1 January 2017
Closing date: Friday 23 September 2016, 12 noon
Interviews: Friday 7 October 2016, St Albans
Further Information
Information about the Diocese of St Albans can be found on
http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/.